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Arizona Vs Michigan St 🏀 game discussion thread 11/23/23 at 2pm FOX
In a thrilling face-off, the unbeaten third-ranked Arizona Wildcats clash with the 21st-ranked Michigan State Spartans in a game set to electrify the hardwood in the Acrisure Classic. The Wildcats, soaring atop the Pac-12 with a flawless 5-0 record, bring a formidable offensive juggernaut to the court. The Spartans, holding a respectable but shaky 3-2 record, stand at 12th in the Big Ten, ready to challenge the Wildcats' supremacy. This matchup promises a fusion of strategy, skill, and intensity, making it a must-watch for college basketball enthusiasts.
Unleashing the Offensive Behemoth
The Arizona Wildcats, holding a formidable stance atop the Pac-12 with a sterling 5-0 record, epitomize basketball excellence this season. Their offensive arsenal is one of the most feared in college hoops, as evidenced by their staggering 99.6 points per game, which ranks them second nationally. This isn't just about volume; their precision is lethal too, with a field goal percentage of 52.4, highlighting their ability to convert possessions into points efficiently. From beyond the arc, they pose a significant threat, shooting at an impressive 41.5%, a statistic that underscores their versatility and ability to spread the floor. Additionally, their proficiency at the free-throw line (76.6%) further cements their status as an offensive powerhouse.
Defensively, the Wildcats are no slouches either. They've managed to contain their opponents to just 63.0 points per game, reflecting their balanced approach to the game. The defensive field goal percentage stands at a respectable 37.6, indicating their ability to disrupt opponents' shooting rhythms. However, there is room for improvement in defending the three-point line, as opponents are hitting 31.7 of their attempts. The Wildcats excel in rebounding, grabbing an average of 49.2 per game, showcasing their dominance in controlling the paint and limiting second-chance opportunities for their opponents.
The team's leaders play pivotal roles in both offensive and defensive aspects. Guard Kylan Boswell, averaging 13.8 points per game, is a critical scoring option, while his 1.6 steals per game highlight his defensive acumen. Forward Keshad Johnson, leading with 6.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks, is a vital cog in the Wildcats' machinery, impacting both ends of the court. Their place as leaders in the Pac-12 is a testament to their well-rounded and effective style of play.
Seeking to Upset the Odds
The Michigan State Spartans, currently positioned at 12th in the Big Ten with a 3-2 record, showcase a blend of resilience and tactical prowess. Offensively, they average 74.0 points per game, a figure that, while not as explosive as the Wildcats', still demonstrates their capability to score effectively. Their overall field goal percentage is 44.6, indicating a level of efficiency, though there's room for improvement, especially from the three-point line where they've struggled, shooting just 26.3%. Free throw shooting is another area of concern, with a 66.4% success rate, potentially leaving crucial points off the board in tight games.
Defensively, Michigan State stands out, particularly in their ability to challenge shots. They've held opponents to a mere 61.4 points per game, and their impressive 33.4% defensive field goal percentage ranks them third nationally, illustrating their tenacity in contesting shots and disrupting offensive flows. Their three-point defense is also notable, limiting opponents to a 28.1% success rate, further solidifying their defensive credentials.
Key players have been instrumental in the Spartans' performances. Guard Tyson Walker, leading the team with 23.0 points per game, is the offensive heartbeat, while his 1.8 steals per game showcase his defensive prowess. Guard Jaden Akins, dominating with 6.6 rebounds, provides much-needed support on the boards. The Spartans' standing in the Big Ten reflects the challenges they've faced in establishing consistent dominance, but their potential to disrupt and challenge stronger teams is evident in their defensive statistics.
BDU's Free Pick
In this matchup, the Arizona Wildcats stand out as the clear favorites. Their overwhelming offensive firepower, combined with a solid defensive foundation, positions them to take control of the game against the Michigan State Spartans. The Wildcats' ability to score heavily and efficiently, combined with their prowess in rebounding, sets them apart. Their shooting percentages from the field and beyond the arc are indicators of a well-oiled offensive machine capable of breaking down even the sternest defenses. On the other hand, while the Spartans' defensive metrics are commendable, especially in field goal percentage defense, they face an uphill battle against a team that excels in every offensive aspect. Michigan State's struggles from the three-point line and at the free-throw line could be critical in a game where every point counts. The Wildcats' balanced approach, exceptional team leaders, and dominant standings in the Pacific-12 further tilt the scales in their favor. Expect Arizona to leverage their offensive prowess and rebounding strength to secure a victory in this high-profile college basketball showdown.
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Full Digital Game Program
arizonawildcats.com/documents/2023/11/21/Notes-G6-Michigan_State.pdf
Arizona is favored at -5 and the Over/Under is 145.5
Let's talk about the Wildcats Vs Spartans!
BEARDOWN!!!
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I say we win by 5-7... should be a good game
Michigan State is in the unique position to try to defeat ASU & UofA in back-to-back games.
Michigan State is bipolar. They finally played a decent game against butler and had a few bright moments against Dook but for the most part, they don't look like a typical Izzo team.
Hard to predict whether Sparty will show up and make it close...or get embarrassed on national tv.
Walker vs Boswell should be a great showcase. We are better at every position, but I'm sure MSU will dial up the intensity and play harder than they have in any game so far. We'll see if Izzo has the courage to play Xavier Booker or if he leaves him to rot on the bench.
Sparty is the best defensive team we'll have faced so far. They are tough, just like their HOF coach. But their offense can be stagnant for long periods sometimes. And they will prefer not to run with us.
If they don't find a miracle offense by Thursday, I don't see them hanging with us scoring, esp if we get a substantial lead.
Arizona by dbl digits.
If they don't get hot from 3, I agree with Deb - double digits.
To liken MSU to a team we already played, I'd go with a way more athletic and skilled version of Southern University in terms of toughness and willingness to get after it on every possession.
I think they play us close if not even ahead in the 1h but eventually our skill, speed and our own toughness is not something they can endure for a full 40 minutes.
Some awesome individual matchups, and this snake bitten MSU team that is incredibly well coached with high expectations will look to right their season with a big win against what I believe is the nations best team in our Arizona Wildcats.
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I love that we get MSU early in the season because they'll likely be completely different when the postseason roll around.
Watching Izzo's face has been priceless. The team is constantly making silly mistakes and he's visibly frustrated with this roster (which I've never seen in his 30-ish years of coaching).
Interested in seeing how Malik Hall does against us.
Izzo has Hall, Sissoko, Booker, and Cooper at his disposal for "size".
Ready to test out some of my theories. Hopefully our Guard play is better than theirs for "one night", but I think they have some tools that will test us.
https://twitter.com/Zona_Briggs/status/1727746975704223977
Quote from: WILD on November 23, 2023, 11:26:40 AMhttps://twitter.com/Zona_Briggs/status/1727746975704223977
Are we just done wearing the 97s now? Saving em for Purdue? Saving em for conference play? Saving em for March Madness?
I'd be ecstatic if they were saving the 97's for the postseason...
Sup Cats gave a great day and sko catz! Oh whats the link also
https://twitter.com/BrucePascoe/status/1727779084510327204
It's Time!!!
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8) 8) 8) sko catz
Quote from: arxpert on November 21, 2023, 03:17:16 PMInterested in seeing how Malik Hall does against us.
Izzo has Hall, Sissoko, Booker, and Cooper at his disposal for "size".
Ready to test out some of my theories. Hopefully our Guard play is better than theirs for "one night", but I think they have some tools that will test us.
It's like I know what I'm talking about.
Izzo had a good game plan against our size and Tommy had a good game plan to limit Malik Hall's effectiveness which showed right off the bat against us as it is a major point of weakness for us to have to defend a skilled inside out College PF. However, Tommy was outclassed and outcoached by Izzo almost the whole game. Almost. Again, another instance where learning a hard lesson is always better when you Win the game. Tommy has to be willing to adapt if this team is ever going to reach it's potential.
We had a few instances of big leads again like Duke, but couldn't blow the game open close to 15-20pts when we had the chances.
Our Guards got suckered into chucking 40 shots. Their guards had to chuck 44 shots against us and almost pulled it off because of Tommy's poor recognition of Izzo's "Hack-A-Ballo" strategy leading to their 11-1 run down the stretch.
Once in the Bonus, it was cringe to see Ballo out there being fouled on purpose every possession and Tommy actually thinking the Moonball lob would turn into a potential And-1 when Ballo was 10-15ft away from the basket each time. Maybe Krivas isn't better in that scenario because he is slow, but Ballo was a 42.7% FT shooter at the point the infographic came up. I'm almost positive that Tommy would have just went with Keshad at the 5 had he not had a horrible 4th foul like 27ft away from the rim, but this is what I said before, foul trouble on Keshad is a big issue for this roster. This team is susceptible to boneheaded fouls. Maybe we need Vessaar back (any word?).
Izzo's blueprint is out on us. Slow the game down, allow us the Bonus for free, make Ballo worse than useless - a
liability - and take all the rhythm and flow out of the game on our end while playing "their brand" of offensive basketball. I believe that is a serious flaw.
It is abundantly clear that KJ Lewis needs to be getting more minutes. Love is a good defender, maybe even a Plus defender. Pelle is only a Good defender, but went to the Kerr Krissa school of flopping and needs to cut that out immediately. It is difficult to navigate those minutes and a good embarrassment of riches, but I'm not about to sit by and accept Lewis getting the Adama Bal treatment. He belongs on that floor.
Love is baited into chucking shots all too easily. To only have 2 FT attempts on an intentional foul at the end of the game, but 20 Field Goal attempts is bad basketball overall.
There is always room for improvement.
I just hope you're invited to the film session so these problems can be corrected promptly. Now that Miller's recruits are gone, we're destined to become a bottom feeder by next year in the Big 12. Oh well. It was fun while it lasted.
Quote from: |ᴘ|ʀ|ʏ|ᴍ|ᴇ| on November 23, 2023, 06:54:23 PMI just hope you're invited to the film session so these problems can be corrected promptly. Now that Miller's recruits are gone, we're destined to become a bottom feeder by next year in the Big 12. Oh well. It was fun while it lasted.
You never know. Do you..
Fun times!
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Sat near a Bulls scout.
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